Man Detained After Entering Moo Deng's Pygmy Hippopotamus Enclosure at Thai Zoo

A Thai individual has been taken into custody after unlawfully entering the enclosure of a popular pygmy hippopotamus named Moo Deng at a zoo in Thailand.

The Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located in Chonburi Province, issued a statement on Tuesday, March 17, confirming that the trespass occurred around 5:00 p.m. local time.

According to the zoo, the suspect exploited a moment when staff were engaged in their evening duties to access the restricted area housing the beloved animal.

CCTV footage acquired by the Bangkok Post displays the man appearing to capture images or video of the pygmy hippos on what looked like a tablet before leaving the enclosure. Moo Deng was in the habitat alongside her mother, Jona, during the episode, as reported by the Associated Press.

Zoo officials are currently looking into the reasons behind the man's actions. Narongwit Chodchoy, the zoo’s director, stated that the man initially faced trespassing charges but was later released on bail. He assured that the individual did not attempt to harm Moo Deng or her mother, confirming that both animals are safe, according to the news agency.

The statement from the zoo, shared on Facebook, indicated that Moo Deng and her family were unharmed during the incident.

Autthapol “Benz” Nundee, the keeper of Moo Deng, remarked, “Fortunately, he did not get bitten,” as cited by the Bangkok Post.

Moo Deng rose to fame in September 2024 after videos showcasing her at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo gained popularity online, attracting numerous visitors from both within and outside the country.

In a follow-up post on March 17, the zoo assured that the veterinary team would be monitoring the animals’ behavior closely in response to the trespassing incident.

Additionally, the zoo expressed appreciation to the public and fans for their vigilance in reporting such incidents and their continuous support for the welfare of the animals.

The zoo also urged visitors to abide by all regulations and staff instructions to ensure the safety of themselves and the wildlife, warning that any observed risky behavior would prompt legal actions without exception.